Public art collections at Aalto University
The aim of public art across Aalto is to create a vibrant environment for experiencing the world through various perspectives and for embracing imagination, intuition, and exploration.
Shared imagination and between waves - the themes of Marsio and Otakaari 2B's art collections reflect Aaltonians
The themes, artists and drafts of the new buildings' public art collections were published. The works of the Marsio building are by Laura Könönen and Maija Luutonen. The works of the Otakaari 2B building are by Baptiste Debombourg
Two new buildings are being built in the heart of Aalto University's Otaniemi campus, and approximately one percent of the budget for the construction projects will be allocated to art acquisitions. In addition to commissioned works that follow the themes of the art collections of the Marsio and Otakaari 2B buildings, photographs and graphics are purchased directly for the buildings.
The art theme in the Marsio building (Otakaari 2A) is Sharing Imaginations, which refers to sharing imagination and experiences with others. The theme describes that sharing imagination is necessary in order to be able to discuss, internalise new things, work together, create new things, network with others and function as a community.
The aim of Marsio's public art collection was to make extensive use of Aalto's different disciplines. Especially the art located in the outer areas is especially important for the students of Aalto University. It was also requested that the works would bring out humor. Artist Laura Könönen was chosen to create the outdoor artwork and five paintings by artist Maija Luutonen were chosen to be placed in Marsio's staircases.
A glitch and detached memories guide inside Marsio
Könönen's work Glitch consists of partly carved and partly burnt Finnish black granite. As its name suggests, the work presents a glitch, the unexpected changes brought by the disturbance can also open up new, creative possibilities for understanding.
'A glitch in colour or quality of stone is an error in the industrial world, but it is a gift for an artist. Is all life on earth a glitch itself?', characterizes Könönen. The Glitch sculpture will be placed near the entrance to Marsio.
Luutonen's paintings Centerfold, Kimono, Laput, Lasit and Lehdet are in a staircase of Marsio leading from the first floor to the third floor of the building.
'I have for a long time addressed memory and especially forgetting as part of my practice. For me these concepts have to do with looking, recognition and repetition. This sketch is a work consisting of several images that can be thought of like disconnected memories or notes but out of which it is still possible for the viewer to form a whole or make connections while walking the stairs by holding previously seen parts in their mind. It is not possible to see all the parts at the same time so the viewer has to trust their memory', Luutonen describes her works.
Undulating motion carries away
The theme of the Otakaari 2B building art collection Waves in-between / In-between waves chases after the idea of waves. How many different ways can waves be approached in art? For example, colours, light and sound can also be experienced as waves. There is also an interesting notion of technological changes as analog waves are curved, but digital waves are square.
Waves also include the idea of repetition, which is present in many art techniques, but especially in traditional graphic art. The Finnish word aalto means wave in English. The aim is to create a vibrant environment, which gives joy and new thought for students and researchers alike.
Artist Baptiste Debombourg will create the works for the exterior and interior of the entrance to Otakaari 2B. The outdoor artwork located on the façade of the building reflects the shapes of the windows of Otakaari 2B, from which an uninterrupted flow moves towards the limited space.
Debombourg's indoor art is more undulating, and the waves that form in it welcome the visitor. Together the works form a common entity that brings a new perspective to the building, materialising the entrance while respecting its architecture, and gives passers-by something to think about in the form of a new landmark. Otakaari 2B will mainly be used by the School of Science and the School of Electrical Engineering.
More information
Outi Turpeinen, Manager, art and exhibitions
[email protected], tel. +358 50 431 4194
Developer Aalto University Campus & Real Estate
Contractor: NCC
Design: SARC Architects
Working groups for Marsio & Otakaari 2B art concepts and art prosals
Anastasia McAvennie, Visitor Experience Specialist, Aalto University
Riikka Mäkikoskela, Head of Radical Creativity, Aalto University
Minna Suoniemi, School of Arts, Design and Architecture
Lily Diaz-Komonen, School of Arts, Design and Architecture
Sampo Sainio, Aalto University Student Union
Mikko Sams, School of Science
Enrico Glerean, School of Science
Sari Dhima, Aalto University Campus and Real Estate Ltd
Outi Turpeinen, manager (art and exhibitions), Aalto University/managing the curatiorial work
Minna Suoniemi, School of Arts, Design and Architecture
Riikka Mäkikoskela, Head of Radical Creativity, Aalto University
Lily Diaz-Komonen. School of Arts, Design and Architecture
Outi Turpeinen, manager (art and exhibitions), Aalto University/managing the curatiorial work
Ossi Naukkarinen, vice president, Aalto University
Mariana Amatullo, professor, Parsons School of Design: The New School
Heli Rekula, vice dean, School of Arts, Design and Architecture
Pilvi Kalhama, director, EMMA museum
Marcus Korhonen, Aalto Studios
Anna Heiskanen, School of Arts, Design and Architecture
Pia Euro, School of Arts, Design and Architecture
Magdaleena Jakkila, School of Arts, Design and Architecture
Christian Guckelsberger, School of Science
Salu Ylirisku, School of Electrical Engineering
Sari Dhima, Aalto University Campus and Real Estate
Outi Turpeinen, manager (art and exhibitions), Aalto University/managing the curatiorial work
Christian Guckelsberger, School of Science
Outi Turpeinen, manager (art and exhbitions), Aalto University
Ossi Naukkarinen, vice president, Aalto University
Mariana Amatullo, professor, Parsons School of Design: The New School
Janne Halme, lecturer, School of Science
Pilvi Kalhama, director, EMMA museum
The vision of public art at Aalto University
In 2017, Aalto University decided to comply with a one per cent art principle in its building projects. The one per cent art principle was first applied to the Radical Nature art concept in Aalto University’s main building, Dipoli.
The vision of public art at Aalto University is to address and raise questions about what it is to be a university, what we do together in society, and what constitutes the public. Public art is site-specific and connects with the diversity of the university and its post-disciplinary communities. Public artworks reflect this diversity through different art forms, materials, techniques and traditions.
Illustration images of the art proposals
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Unfolding public art book is based on the university's art collection
More about the buildings
Otakaari 2: Marsio and Kide
Building of Marsio & Kide began in February 2022, to be completed in 2023-2024
Suggest a new name for Otakaari 2B building
Send your proposal latest by 7 August!
Two new buildings to be built in the centre of Otaniemi campus
Building Otakaari 2A & 2B begins in January 2022, construction to be completed by summer 2023
The new Marsio building is a showcase for research, teaching and impact at Aalto University
The name was selected through a contest, and it is a tribute to Aino Marsio-Aalto.
Long live the campus! The foundation laying ceremony of Otakaari 2 celebrated the university's new buildings
The foundation of the Otaniemi campus' newest buildings, Otakaari 2A and 2B, was laid on September 29. The new name of the Otakaari 2A building was also revealed at the event
Marsio - the obvious choice
Background of the proposals that won the naming competition
- Published:
- Updated:
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